Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029

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   10.5 Agriculture Leitrim is a very rural county with a diverse range of farming activity. Farmers in Co. Leitrim have a strong historical attachment to the land. A high number of people are committed to farming with a proactive interest in investing in its future. The structure of farming in Co. Leitrim is characterised by small-scale farms with low economic potential and asset value due to the poor quality of soils, fragmentation and scale. The land area farmed in the county is 89,719 hectares made up of 3,656 no. farms (from 4,516 no. in 1991) with an average size of 24.5 hectares. 49.3% of farms are less than 20 hectares in size with only 8.4% being larger than 50 hectares in size. Enterprises with higher potential returns such as dairy farming have declined. There is significant dependence on lower income systems such as the production and sale of weanlings in the cattle sector and store lambs from hill farms in the sheep sector. The average income derived from farming in Co. Leitrim is the lowest in the country. Table 10.1 provides a statistical overview highlighting the continued importance of farming and the agri food industry to Co. Leitrim. Leitrim County Council recognises the significant contribution that farming as a practice and the farming community as a whole make to the overall social and economic fabric of our county. This is reflected in the significant farming participate rate within the county. Moreover, this Plan acknowledges the significant inroads in farming diversification within the county in recent years through the engagement of various farming practices. Moreover, Co. Leitrim has a long tradition of livestock trading throughout the county with a number of active livestock marts in Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Mohill and Carrigallen facilitating the buying and selling of cattle, sheep and horses on a regular basis. Such livestock marts are recognised as a key economic driver in their respective locations providing a stable source of direct employment through employees of the marts but also indirectly through service providers within these mart towns to cater for participating farmers and livestock traders. Agriculture in Co. Leitrim supports thousands of jobs in the rural economy, both directly in food & drink processing and also in the wider agri-industry, including input suppliers, agricultural contractors, jobs in auctioneering, transport and engineering and in accountancy, legal, veterinary and other advisory services. It is estimated that the number of food and drink processing jobs supported by agricultural output of county is in the order of 445 no. jobs. The agriculture sector is a significant source of economic activity throughout the county. It contributes to exports, provides the raw materials for the food processing industry and has potential for providing more added value in the artisan food sector. The Council will continue to adopt a positive approach to applications for sustainable agricultural developments generally, subject to the protection of ground waters, residential amenities, designated habitats and the landscape. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 241 10 Rural Development

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   Table 10.1: Importance of Farming and the Agri-food Industry in Leitrim Farm Structure Farm Income and Direct Payments Number of Farms 3,656 Farm Income €20m Average Farm Size 24.5 ha Direct Payments Land area farmed 89,719 ha Basic Payment €18.9m Numbers employed at farm level (FTE) 3,864 Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme €7.2m Stock on farm Beef Data Genomics Programme €1m Number of dairy cows 1,971 Agri-environment payments €7m Number of other (beef) cows 26,497 Forestry Premium €2.4m Number of ewes 68,907 Value of Output and Exports Forestry Value of Agricultural Output €63m Land area under private forestry 14,297 ha Value of Agricultural Exports arising from the agricultural output in county €92m Output from private forestry 22,489 m3 Source: IFA Value of Agricultural Factsheets In recognition of the key role agriculture plays in the social and economic fabric of the county, agriculture formed a key element of the Special Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme 2019 – 2024 adopted by Leitrim County Council in 2019. Agriculture has been included as part of a dedicated SPC along with the complementary themes of environment and climate action in delivering more sustainable practices. In this regard, notable advances in sustainable agricultural development have taken place in the county. For example, the Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group (LSAG) was set up to promote environmental and sustainable farming practices in Leitrim. The group currently has 35 no. farming members from a variety of farming enterprises in Leitrim and is currently engaged in training on water quality and biodiversity issues and the long term goal is to make Leitrim farms viable and sustainable whilst enhancing the environment in which we live. Leitrim County Council supports the role of agriculture and the agri-foods sector in continuing to drive economic development, supporting employment and creating sustainable rural jobs in the county. High Nature Value (HNV) farmland is extensively managed farmland that has high biodiversity characteristics. This farmland is important for the conservation of semi-natural habitats and the plants and animals linked with them. Supporting this type of farmland will ensure high levels of farmland biodiversity, vibrant rural communities, high water, air and soil quality and resistance to flooding among other things. These farms occur most frequently in areas that are mountainous, or areas where natural constraints prevent intensification. Farming sustains the biodiversity of these landscapes and is integral to maintaining their high nature value. The extent of HNV farmland is Co. Leitrim is extensive. Whole Farm HNV occurs where the main grazing areas of farmlands are managed extensively and are dominated by peatland and semi-natural grasslands. Whilst often associated with upland farms that have peatland habitats such as blanket bog and heath, they may also be lowland farms dominated by species-rich wet or dry grasslands such as those in north Leitrim. Partial HNV farmland has similar properties but for part of the farm only. Part of the farm (usually around 50%) has low stocking levels on semi-natural habitats, while part of the farm has agricultural grassland that can be farmed more intensively. These farms could have semi-natural grassland habitats such as wet grassland, dry calcareous grassland or commonage alongside improved agricultural grassland along with field boundaries such as hedgerows, drainage ditches, treelines, stone walls or earth banks and maybe a pond or a patch of scrub or woodland. This type of farmland can occur where there is a mixture of grassland intensities in a landscape such as Co. Leitrim. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I242 10 Rural Development

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   Figure 10.1: Predicted Extent of High Nature Value Farmland in Ireland 2016 Source: Catchments.ie LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 243 10 Rural Development

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   The Plan support Ireland’s commitment to restore, preserve and enhance High Nature Value farmland in the Rural Development Programme. A greater appreciation of farmland nature value will assist our understanding of the impacts on farming practices/ intensification on farmland biodiversity through, for example, land use change, climate change, or alternative scenarios for the agricultural sector. POLICIES AGR POL 1 To maintain a vibrant and healthy agricultural sector based on the principles of sustainable development whilst at the same time finding alternative employment in or close to rural areas to sustain rural communities. AGR POL 2 To support and facilitate farm diversification including enterprise creation opportunities (added value food, renewable energy, etc.), organic food and agri-tourism enterprises including visitor accommodation and related activities such as open farms and health farms across the county subject to the retention of the holding for primarily agricultural use and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. AGR POL 3 To support agri-tourism in the form of visitor accommodation and other agri-tourism related activities such as open farms, health farms, etc. AGR POL 4 To work with relevant stakeholders in identifying and protecting from inappropriate forms of development areas of High Nature Value agricultural land in the county to include consideration of future climate scenarios and water quality and availability for agricultural purposes. AGR POL 5 To support and encourage farm-based renewable energy technologies as a means of improving the shift toward a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors. AGR POL 6 To support and encourage the participation and development of careers in agriculture for our young people and support the progression of land leasing and farm partnership schemes. OBJECTIVE AGR OBJ 1 To facilitate the development of agriculture while ensuring that natural waters, wildlife habitats and conservation areas are protected from pollution. 244 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 10 Rural Development

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   10.6 Forestry 10.6.1 National Policy The national policy and ambition on forestry is extremely clear as set out in the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 which is presently being reviewed with a new Forest Programme being finalised in 2023. The Forest Programme seeks “to develop an internationally competitive and sustainable forest sector that provides a full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to society and which accords with the principles of sustainable forest management”. To realise this ambition, there are a series of financial supports in place of up to 100% set up grants for establishment and maintenance of new forests and woodlands including fencing. The grant aid and premiums on offer depend on the species planted with higher rates available for deciduous trees. The Climate Action Plan 2021 provides for a number of actions relating to forestry development and recognises the important role forestry provides as the single largest land-based climate change mitigation measure available to Ireland. In addition, the Plan recognises the increasing potential of forestry in providing sustainable substitute products for conventional carbon-heavy construction materials such as concrete, brick and steel. Relevant actions provided in the Climate Action Plan 2021 relating to forestry development include: ● the implementation of ‘Project Woodland’, the government initiative to develop a shared approach for trees, woods and forests and to inform the preparation of the new Forestry Strategy and new Forestry Programme for publication in 2023 (Actions 364 and 365); ● Implement Forestry Programme 2014-2022 (includes 2-year extension) (Action 366); ● Increase the level of afforestation to meet targets (Action 367); and ● Increase output of forestry licences to meet demand (Action 368). It is notable that, aside from Action 367 which identifies the planting of 1,500ha of native woodland on Bord na Móna cut-over-bogs and unlike the previous Climate Action Plan 2019, no other planting target is provided in the Climate Action Plan 2021, with the presumption that the new Forestry Programme to be published in 2023 will identify such targets. Forestry can play an important role in helping with climate change mitigation, through carbon sequestration and the provision of renewable fuels and raw materials. Forestry is a major carbon sink and afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector. Ireland is committed to the practice of Sustainable Forest Management, which, under the Helsinki and Lisbon Agreements, means ‘the stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way and at a rate that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regenerative capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfil now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions as local, national and global levels and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems’. A key objective of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s ‘Growing for the Future – A Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland’ (1996) has remained ‘to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social well-being on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment’. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 245 10 Rural Development

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   10.6.2 Forestry in Leitrim 29 ‘Forest Statistics Ireland 2022’, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2022) Forestry in Co. Leitrim has the highest ratio of forestry planted of any county in the State at 18.9% in 2017 compared to the national average level of 11%. Preliminary results from the 4th National Forestry Inventory (NFI), completed in 2022, indicates that the extent of forest cover in the county in 2021 has increased to 20.1% (32,039ha), with Leitrim remaining the county with the highest percentage of forest cover, compared to a national average level of 11.6%29. Notwithstanding these preliminary results, it should be noted that at the time of writing the 3rd edition of the NFI, conducted in 2017, remained the most comprehensive dataset on national forest cover. The soils in Co. Leitrim are generally well-suited to commercial forestry plantation development as they are rich in mineral gley, surface water gley, peaty gley and brown poolzolic soils. The favourable soil and climatic conditions result in relatively rapid growth rates of coniferous species where the strength and quality of the wood is less than where it grows at a slower rate. Furthermore, poor root penetration can often lead to windthrow (dependent on elevation aspect and exposure) with its associated environmental consequences including aquatic issues arising. Private plantation forests accounted for just over half (51.3%) of the forest area in the county in 2017 with the remaining (48.7%) consisting of publicly owned forestry managed for the State by Coillte. The extent of these lands is shown in Figure 10.2. This is qualified by noting that an additional 846 hectares of lands have been planted since 2017 up to and including 2021 based on the Forest Statistics Ireland 2022 report from DAFM. Figure 10.2: Extent of Forest Cover in Co. Leitrim 2017 LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I246 10 Rural Development

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   Figure 10.3: Additional Area Planted in Co. Leitrim 2010 – 2020 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Number of Hectares Area Planted No. of Applications 2010 176 20 2011 325 31 2012 278 32 2013 356 46 2014 272 36 2015 513 68 2016 434 62 2017 536 70 2018 299 41 2019 289 32 2020 160 20 Source: Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Figure 10.4: Approved landowners to plant forestry in Co. Leitrim 2010 – 2020 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Number of Landholdings Farmer Non Farmer 2010 176 20 2011 325 31 2012 278 32 2013 356 46 2014 272 36 2015 513 68 2016 434 62 2017 536 70 2018 299 41 2019 289 32 2020 160 20 Source: Forest Service, Department of Agriculture In terms of species, conifers account for 70% of the total forest area in the county. Sitka spruce is the dominant species accounting for 61.3% of the total forest area which is higher than the national figure of 51%. The growth rates of trees in the county for conifers is high – for Sitka spruce in private stands, growth rates are estimated to be 20% higher than the national average. Native species account for 30.7% of the forest area in the county which is slightly higher than the national figure of 26.6%. Birch is the dominant native species accounting for 10.7% with alder accounting for 4.8%. The figures in this paragraph are extracted from the report ‘The Socio- Economic Impact of Forestry in Co. Leitrim’, Dr. Áine Ní Dhubháin et al, (2019) School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. Figure 10.3 indicates a steady rise in the extent of land planted in Co. Leitrim from 176 hectares of land in 2010 to 536 hectares in 2017. The number of landholdings in 2017 was 70 and the average holding planted was 7.7 hectares/19 acres (Figure 10.4). It is also noted that there has been a marked reduction in the number of applications approved for planting since 2018. It should be qualified that Figure 10.3 relates to lands actually planted and should not be confused with the extent of lands licensed for afforestation by LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 247 10 Rural Development

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   the Forest Service. For instance, in 2021, 98 hectares of lands were planted for commercial forestry whilst 236 hectares of lands was licensed for planting. The license holder has 3 years from the date of a license to plant. Of particular note from Figure 10.4 is that in 2015 the number of investors or non farmers who were approved to plant forestry in Co. Leitrim exceeded the number of farmers who were approved to plant part of their own lands. This resulted from changes in the grant aid provided by the Department of Agriculture which now encouraged investors into the sector to assist in reaching the national target set out in the Forestry Programme. In each subsequent year since 2015, the number of investors or non farmers approved for planting has exceeded the number of farmers approved to plant their own lands. This may have included farmers from outside the county who have acquired lands in this county as an investment or as a means of offsetting carbon from their main farming activities. This level of information was not available to the Local Authority. Notwithstanding the thrust of Government policy, the extensive volume of afforestation in Co. Leitrim raises some concerns. Once planted for forestry, land is unlikely ever to revert to alternative agricultural use, reducing the possibility of expanding or consolidating neighbouring farms. Extensive and dense tree planting can lead to an oppressive and featureless landscape, increasing the sense of isolation of remaining residents, while clear-felled forests leave an ugly scar on the landscape. The harvesting of timber which often necessitates the construction of extensive lengths of forest access roads can put great stress on the road network, with minor roads bearing loads far beyond their design capacity. It is argued by the haulage sector that the creation of forest access roads can have a far greater impact on the surface of local roads than the extraction of timber. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have indicated in their Forest Statistics Report (July 2022) that between 2011 -2021, the construction of 42.8km of private forest roads were grant aided in Co. Leitrim30. The Local Authority is left to rely on the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, as amended, to seek to recover the cost of damage to local roads but with very limited success. 30 ‘Forest Statistics Ireland 2022’, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2022) 31 This figure was provided to the Local Authority by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine However, it is important to recognise the value of forestry related employment with 560 jobs31 associated directly and indirectly with forestry/ wood processing in Leitrim (2018). All elements of the commercial plantation forestry value chain are present in Co. Leitrim – forestry contractors and management companies, forest harvesting and haulage (McMorrows Haulage Ltd., Dowra), saw mills and manufacturing (Crowes, Mohill), firewood (McMorrows, Dowra) and manufacturing (Masonite, Drumsna and Merenda, Manorhamilton). It is also acknowledged that the lands planted with commercial plantations often replaces land that was previously farmed and that there is a potential displacement employment effect as a result of lands being planted. In addition to the socio-economic costs, the impact of the loss of agricultural land on sustaining a rural farming population does need careful consideration at a national policy level. The results of the Census of Agriculture 2020 were not available to inform the preparation of the Plan. Of the total amount of commercial forestry that is clear felled each year (979 hectares licensed to be clear felled in 2021), the CO2 captured during the tree life remains locked in the wood until the product decays or is burnt. This excludes consideration of the CO2 expended in the clear felling and thinning of commercial forestry, transporting and processing the timber product and the burning of wood products for energy all of which causes emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere whilst clear felling may potentially result in significant carbon losses from the soil. The nature of commercial plantation forestry in Co. Leitrim is such that until a more detailed study is undertaken of the previous use of the lands planted / licensed to be planted regarding their former carbon sequestration function to include peatlands and the environmental cost of harvesting to include creation of extensive forest access roads that the true climate change mitigation impact is unquantified. Equally, there has to be an acknowledgement of the addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from the burning of wood products. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I248 10 Rural Development

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   10.6.3 Afforestation and the Planning System Afforestation, as a land use, is outside the control of the Planning Authority with the exception of the creation and material widening of accesses onto the national road system. Initial afforestation of lands is classified as exempted development which does not require planning permission. When an Environmental Impact Assessment Report is required for planting of more than 50 hectares, planning permission is required. To date, no planning application has been lodged to this Authority for the planting of trees. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the authority responsible for consent applications dealing with planting and felling of forestry, creation and widening of access to forestry on non-national roads and creation of forest roads. Certain categories of consent applications to the Forest Service, being part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, for planting or felling, along with forest access roads and accesses to forestry, are referred to the Planning Authority for its observations but it is the Forest Service, as competent authority, who ultimately decides upon the submitted consent application and how much weight to attribute to the Planning Authority’s comments. This Council would welcome a revision of the planning legislative provision that would bring forestry plantations under the control of the planning system. 10.6.4 Afforestation and the Landscape The Landscape Character Assessment (refer to Section 11.14) has identified forestry along with wind turbines as the greatest forces of change in altering the character of our landscape. Commercial forestry plantations tend to be a dominating landcover and have an eroding impact in scenic areas of the county including Lough Melvin. The original lakeside landscape character is much eroded as a result. The review of the Landscape Character Assessment noted an increase in commercial coniferous forestry especially apparent in the farmed lowlands south of Slieve Anierin and similar plantations of smaller scale occurring in the uplands in particular the lower slopes of Dough Mountain. The Landscape Character Assessment states that the extent of additional forestry land use “is controversial due to the resultant change and negative impact on the County’s landscapes”. In Landscape Character Type 3 ‘Wooded Lakeside Farmland’, the extent of the woody vegetation cover is such that the landscape is quite visually enclosed in many places. In Landscape Character Type 5 ‘Moorland Plateaus’, patches of commercial coniferous forestry feature in this landscape and in some locations, these plantations dominate and have eroded the moorland landscape character. The plantation of commercial coniferous forestry also tends to be highly visible at higher elevations. In Landscape Character Type 9 ‘Drumlin Farmland’, patches of commercial coniferous forestry are dispersed throughout this landscape, some areas being fairly extensive in size. The plantation of coniferous forest is indicated as being a frequent feature and has become influential in the local landscape character. It is noted that there is an area of deciduous woodland at O’Donnell’s Rock which is one of only a few naturally developing woodlands on the Leitrim limestone mountains. This is of particular interest as it demonstrates the natural succession of this woodland type on steep ground. LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I 249 10 Rural Development

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    In relation to landscape quality, condition and sensitivity, the Landscape Character Assessment indicates that the condition of the landscape is adversely affected in places by commercial coniferous forestry. Extensive areas of commercial coniferous forestry have resulted in the loss of hedgerows, pasture and field patterns and thus, key landscape characteristics have become eroded. Plantation of coniferous forestry also obscures stretches of the Black Pig’s Dyke and tree roots may threaten delicate archaeological remains. Where large forestry blocks exist on undulating landform, large scale felling, leaves significant areas of the landscape scarred. In comparison, in areas where commercial coniferous forestry is absent, the landscape is in relatively good condition as evidenced by the strong field patterns defined by a dense hedgerow structure. Following the completion of the review of the Landscape Character Assessment, of designated landscapes and of protected views and prospects, Leitrim County Council commissioned RPS to then undertake a landscape capacity assessment for future commercial forestry planting in Co. Leitrim. The purpose of the landscape capacity assessment is to inform the policy framework for forestry which will be contained in the County Development Plan 2023- 2029. The objective of the study is to determine the suitably or capacity of landscapes to accommodate further commercial forestry plantations. The assessment has been undertaken in order to provide clear guidance in the light of recent debate on the issue of commercial forestry in Co. Leitrim and the need to achieve a balance between the national policy arena, the demands for commercial forestry plantations and conservation of landscape character and visual amenity including residential visual amenity. This report, titled ‘Landscape Capacity Study for Commercial Forestry - Co. Leitrim’, forms Appendix VI of the Plan. The report primarily outlines a baseline for each Landscape Character Type (LCT) followed by a sensitivity assessment of each to commercial forestry. The capacity of each LCT to accommodate commercial forestry is outlined, along with design guidance. The following table is extracted from the report and is considered the conclusion of the Capacity Study. Table 10.2: Landscape Sensitivity - Study Findings ID LCT Name Sensitivity Capacity LCT 1 Coastal Plain Very High None LCT 2 Coastal Drumlin Farmland High Limited LCT 3 Wooded Lakeside Farmland High Limited LCT 4 Cliffed Uplands and Landslips Very High None LCT 5 Moorland Plateau Very High None LCT 6 Moorland Hills High Very limited capacity at higher elevations and on steep sided mountain slopes. LCT 7 Upland Farmland and Foothills Medium to High Yes LCT 8 Valley Farmland Low Yes LCT 9 Drumlin Farmland Low Yes LCT 10 Major Loughs N/A N/A LCT 11 Drumlin Loughs and Stream Margins Very High None LCT 12 River Floodplain Very High None LCT 13 Low Limestone Outcrops Very High None LCT 14 Drumlin Farmland with Peat Bogs Low Yes LCT 15 Undulating Hill Farmland Low Yes LCT 16 Steep Mountain Peaks Very High None LCT 17 Tabular Hills Very High None LEITRIM COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 – VOLUME I250 10 Rural Development

Source Leitrim County Council: Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029 (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.